Esoteric Glossary

Clear definitions of the most common terms in astrology, tarot, numerology and other esoteric practices, with links to free tools so you can try them out.

Astrology

• Rising sign — The rising sign is the zodiac sign that was coming up over the eastern horizon at the exact moment you were born. What it means and how it's calculated.
• Moon sign — Your moon sign is the zodiac sign the Moon was in when you were born. What it represents in astrology and how to find yours.
• Astrological houses — The astrological houses are the 12 divisions of the birth chart, each representing an area of life. What each house means.
• Mercury retrograde — Mercury retrograde is the period when Mercury appears to move backward in the sky. What it really is and what astrology attributes to it.
• Birth chart — A birth chart is a map of the sky at the time and place you were born, showing the positions of the Sun, Moon and planets. How to read it.
• Synastry — Synastry is the comparison of two birth charts to look at the dynamics of a relationship. What to look at and how to interpret it.

Moon

• New moon — The new moon is the phase when the Moon sits between the Earth and the Sun and can't be seen. What it means and how it's used in intention-setting rituals.
• Full moon — The full moon is the phase when the Moon appears fully lit. What it means in astrology and which rituals are associated with it.

Tarot

• Major Arcana — The Major Arcana are the 22 tarot cards that represent big life lessons and stages, from The Fool to The World.
• Minor Arcana — The Minor Arcana are the 56 tarot cards of the four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles. What each suit represents.

Numerology

• Master number — The master numbers 11, 22 and 33 are the ones Pythagorean numerology doesn't reduce to a single digit. What each one means.

Esotericism

• Aura — In esoteric thought, the aura is an energy field said to surround the body, with colors that reflect emotional states. What each color means.